17.3. Any fish that may be too large to carve may be carved at a reduced scale. For example, a 12-foot, 600-pound marlin or a 6-foot, 80-pound Chinook salmon would be carved at an appropriate reduced scale so that the minimum size is 18 inches with no maximum size. The reduced scale carvings compete as life-size and reflect the mature anatomy of the life-sized fish.

17.4. All carvings must support the total wood carving concept. Those entries composed solely of wood, or those that contain as little non-wood materials in the habitat and fish carving, will have an advantage over those entries that contain authorized substitute materials listed below.

17.5. No resin or plastic water is acceptable because of the toxic nature of the materials involved.

17.6. The use of resins, silicones, or plastics in any form is limited to the construction of artificial teeth, eye sculpturing, joint construction, and inserting fins and tail only.

17.9. Commercial blanks and rough-outs are allowed in the novice and junior levels only.

17.10. Judges will place strong emphasis in their evaluations when all elements are carved of wood, however, the following is allowed: (a) In the novice level, found, real driftwood may be used. (b) In the intermediate level, reworked found, real driftwood may be used. (c) In the open level, all facsimile of driftwood can be carved from dimensional or non-dimensional wood.

17.11. All components used to create the habitat for decorative entries must be made by the carver from wood (or metal where allowed when required for strength and support.)

17.12. Carved habitat may be coated with paint or paint additives for texturing.

17.13. Any carving found to contain non-approved materials will not be eligible for ribbons or awards.

17.14. Any method used to emboss, burn, engrave, or carve scales in wood is permitted.

17.15. Glass cases or domes must be removed for judging.

17.16. The carving must contain the carver's name and date marked on the carving. (The name will be covered with tape at registration.)

17.17. The fish carving entry consists of three elements. The base, habitat and the fish. The habitat and fish shall be carved from dimensional or non dimensional wood. The base element can be manufactured or carved from any material. ie. Stone, metal or Plexiglas. Where the base and habitat are one in the same the rules for habitat apply. This rule applies to all classes/ categories and subcategories of fish carving entries.